Effects of Different Tillage Systems on Soil Properties and Crop Yield in a Mollisol After 9, 22, and 25 Years of Implementation in Chapingo, Mexico

Abstract

Sustainable soil management is crucial for balancing agricultural productivity and soil health in Mollisols under long-term tillage systems. This study evaluated the effects of no-tillage (NT), minimum conservation tillage (MCT), and conventional tillage (CT) on soil properties and maize yield in an irrigated Mollisol in Chapingo, Mexico, over 9, 22, and 25 yr, using a Latin square design with three replications. MCT significantly enhanced soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), and exchangeable potassium (EK) compared to NT and CT, achieving the highest maize grain yield (7.21 t ha−1). NT exhibited the greatest SOC and EK in the surface layer. Physical properties, such as bulk density and porosity, remained stable across systems, reflecting Mollisol resilience. Although MCT optimized fertility and productivity, nutrient declines from 2021 to 2024 highlight the need for adaptive management strategies to sustain long-term productivity, supporting global soil conservation and sustainable agriculture goals.